Taormina, ItalyThe Insider's Guide to Taormina
Summary: Living it Up in Taormina: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.
Welcome to Taormina! If you're planning to move to Taormina, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Taormina has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Taormina.
Taormina, a small town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. The Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a Greco-Roman amphitheater, is one of the most famous sites. It offers stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna. The theatre still hosts performances, providing a unique blend of ancient history and modern entertainment. The Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street, is a must-visit for its charming shops, cafes, and stunning views of the sea. The Palazzo Corvaja, a medieval palace, houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions where you can learn about Sicilian history and culture.
The Public Gardens of Taormina are perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery, exotic plants, and beautiful monuments. The 13th-century Cathedral of Taormina, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, is another must-see for its impressive architecture. The Isola Bella, a small island and nature reserve, is a paradise for nature lovers. You can reach it via cable car from the town. The Naumachie, a large Roman brick structure, and the Odeon, a small Roman theatre, are other historical sites worth visiting.
Taormina's restaurant scene offers a mix of traditional Sicilian cuisine and international dishes. One of the most popular restaurants is Tischi Toschi, known for its authentic Sicilian dishes. The seafood pasta and cannoli are highly recommended. Al Duomo is another favorite, offering a romantic setting and delicious local cuisine. For a fine dining experience, head to La Capinera, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes with a view of the sea.
The nightlife in Taormina is vibrant and varied. The Morgana Lounge Bar is a popular spot for its cocktails and live music. For a more relaxed evening, the Wunderbar Cafe offers stunning views of the bay and Mount Etna. The Metropole Maison D'Hotes is a stylish bar with a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Taormina also hosts various festivals throughout the year, adding to the lively nightlife.
Recreational activities in Taormina range from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Hiking on Mount Etna is a popular activity, with several tour companies offering guided hikes. The Cable Car of Taormina offers a scenic ride from the town to the beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities at Isola Bella, with several dive centers offering equipment rental and guided tours.
For a more relaxed activity, you can take a cooking class at the Sicilian Cooking Class in Taormina, where you can learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes. Wine tasting tours are also popular, with several wineries in the surrounding area offering tours and tastings. The Golf Club Il Picciolo, located in the nearby town of Castiglione di Sicilia, offers a challenging course for golf enthusiasts.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Taormina: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Taormina, often join local clubs and organizations to meet people and immerse themselves in the local culture. These can include language exchange clubs, where they can practice their Italian with locals while helping them with English. They may also join local sports clubs, such as soccer or tennis clubs, to stay active and socialize.Cultural clubs and societies are also popular among expats. These can range from art appreciation societies to cooking clubs, where they can learn about Sicilian cuisine. Some expats may also join local volunteer organizations, which not only allows them to give back to the community but also provides opportunities to meet locals and other expats.In addition to joining clubs and organizations, expats often meet people through social events and gatherings. These can include local festivals, concerts, and other public events. Many expats also meet people through their work or their children's schools.Another popular way for expats to meet people in Taormina is by attending language classes. This not only helps them improve their Italian but also provides a social setting where they can meet other expats and locals. Similarly, cooking classes are a great way to learn about Sicilian cuisine while meeting new people.Finally, many expats in Taormina meet people simply by being active in the community. This can include shopping at local markets, dining at local restaurants, and participating in local traditions and festivals. By immersing themselves in the local culture, expats can form meaningful connections with the people of Taormina," said one expat living in Taormina.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Italian For A WhileBecome ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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"Life for expats and digital nomads in Taormina is often described as a dream come true. The small town offers a relaxed lifestyle with a rich history and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. The town is filled with charming streets, ancient ruins, and beautiful gardens, providing plenty of inspiration and relaxation for those working remotely. The local cuisine is exceptional, with a variety of fresh seafood, pasta, and local wines to enjoy. Despite its small size, Taormina has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The language barrier can be a challenge for some, but many locals and business owners speak English, and there are also language schools for those who want to learn Italian.The cost of living can be high compared to other parts of Italy, particularly for housing. However, the quality of life, the beauty of the surroundings, and the warm, sunny climate make it a popular choice for expats and digital nomads.Internet connectivity is generally good, and there are several coworking spaces and cafes for those who prefer not to work from home. Public transportation is reliable, but many find it more convenient to rent a car for exploring the surrounding areas.Overall, Taormina offers a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads," commented an expat living in Taormina.
Italian For A WhileConnect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Italian For A WhileBecome ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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